Memphis Tigers football, basketball radio host Forrest Goodman dies

Forrest Goodman, who spent 20 years as the pregame and postgame radio host for University of Memphis football and basketball broadcasts, died Monday night.

Goodman, a native Memphian, joined the Tigers broadcast team in 1999 after serving as the play-by-play voice for Delta State. He also did play-by-play for high school football for 10 years.

Goodman, 48, also served as the host of weekly radio shows with Memphis football and men's basketball coaches. He began hosting when Tommy West coached football and John Calipari coached the men's basketball team.

"For many members of the Tiger family, Forrest Goodman has been the voice of the Memphis fans, before and after the game," Memphis interim athletics director Allie Prescott said in a statement. "Our Tiger family offers its condolences to his family. He was well-regarded and will be deeply missed."

Goodman's funeral will be held Saturday at Bartlett Baptist Church, located at 3465 Kirby Whitten Pkwy. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. and services will begin at 11:00.

Calipari expressed his sympathies on Twitter, calling Goodman "a class act and really talented." Memphis football coach Mike Norvell added on Twitter that Goodman was "a wonderful man and friend of all Tiger Athletics" while recalling their time on the radio together.

Goodman also was program director at WREC 600-AM and 92.1-FM, as well as co-host of WREC's morning show from 6-8 a.m.

He also was an employee at The Commercial Appeal for 13 months beginning in November 2016 when he served as a digital strategist and podcast producer before leaving to rejoin WREC's morning show.

“Forrest, in a short time at The CA, helped the newsroom jump start its podcasting presence, from producing segments on the Grizzlies and Tigers to starting a podcast about barbecue,” Commercial Appeal Executive Editor Mark Russell said. “It was a joy to work with Forrest, who had a commanding voice and presence.”

Goodman's cause of death has not been announced. He is survived by his wife, Michelle, and daughter Abigail. A GoFundMe page has been created as a memorial fund to help cover expenses.

More:Memphis Tigers radio host Forrest Goodman's funeral service set for June 15

You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com